Our speakers this past week were Gary Russo and Jeanette Tolson from “Friends of Recovery-Delaware and Otsego” (FOR-DO).
It is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 as part of the National Recovery Advocacy Movement. It has 2 community centers one in Oneonta located at 22 Elm Street called The Turning Point and one located on Main Street Delhi. The Turning Point was opened in 2007 which is a facility that is a safe haven for people in recovery and their families provides a location for 12 step program and other recovery meetings, as well as social and educational events. They also advocate for legislation and community activities that support recovery from diseases of addiction. On average at the Turning Point they see 1016 people per month. Who are their participants and where do the referrals come from- self referrals, drug court, probation, outpatient treatment clinics, DSS, veterans including National Guard, adults with dependent children. In the United States substance abuse costs our nation more than $484 billion per year more than diabetes at $131.7 billion and cancer at $171.6 billion. Some of the barriers to recovery in Otsego County include- rural area, college town and seasonal economy, in Delaware County- rural area, no public transportation and agricultural area.
There are many ways to get involved: attend an end of month dinner, volunteer, consider making a donation not only monetarily but with items, refer family and friends to the center.
For more information contact Gary or Jeanette at 607-267-4435 or visit their website at www.friendsofrecoverydo.org
